NBA All-Star Game 2013: Kyrie Irving Will Steal the Show in Houston

The 2013 NBA All-Star Game is when Kyrie Irving will take his place among the best point guards in the NBA.

Despite being stuck in the pit that is the 2012-13 Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving has gain plenty of notoriety as one of the most promising young players in the league. In 29 games this year, he's averaged 23 points and 5.6 assists a game.

Despite his stellar play this year, it's highly unlikely he'll be selected as a starter by the fans Thursday night. He doesn't have the name recognition or team record to get on enough fans' radars.

In addition, it's doubtful that too many fans remember his lone season with the Duke Blue Devils.

That's all going to change on February 17. Although he'll miss out on the fan vote, there's simply no way a healthy Irving would be omitted by coaches around the league.

Of course, you'll have the big names in the game, and they'll put up huge performances. The thing is, nobody's going to be surprised by Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade, etc.

Every NBA fan knows what those players are capable of. It will be fun and exciting but lack that wow factor.

That's what Irving can bring. Whatever anonymity he has left will all be gone by the time the All-Star Game is over.

The Cavs fans who have watched Irving this year and last will attest to his quality and how most games consist of him trying to single-handedly pull the team up by the scruff of the neck.

He alone has made Cavaliers games must-see television for any NBA fan.

The game will give him the platform to be seen on the kind of national stage from which he can't benefit by playing in Cleveland.

It was during All-Star Weekend that he put a stellar performance during the Rising Stars Challenge. Irving shot 8-for-8 from three-point range en route to 34 points and an MVP performance.

With the way that All-Star games are played, it's the tricky offensive players who get the chance to make the highlight reel.

As the point guard, Irving will also have the chance to connect with Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James for ridiculous alley-oops. His passing skills aren't up to the level of Ricky Rubio, but Irving's can certainly unleash some very good passes.

As evidenced by his performance in the Rising Stars Challenge and .410 shooting percentage from three-point range, Irving can light it up considering how many open shots he'll have.

Irving has been one of the best players in the league, and it's about time that every NBA fan recognized that.